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The New England Symphony Orchestra has served Central Massachusetts for more than 40 years, providing programs for the education, enrichment and pleasure of the citizens and musicians of the region. The orchestra is an independent cultural organization committed to enhancing the quality of life in our communities.
Now entering its 43rd Season, The NESO was founded in 1974 in South Lancaster by Dr. Jon Robertson as the Thayer Conservatory Orchestra. Mark Churchill later succeeded Dr. Robertson and nurtured TCO for the next six years. Following Dr. Robertson's tenure, Francis Wada became the music director of the then named Thayer Symphony Orchestra. From its inception as a community orchestra, the now newly named NESO has provided professional, as well as community volunteer and student musicians, the opportunity to perform in one of the several full size symphony orchestras in New England. The NESO has maintained its core mission to "sustain and develop a symphony orchestra of the highest quality for the education, enrichment and pleasure of the citizens and musicians of Central Massachusetts and beyond."
The NESO's present Music Director, Roderick MacDonald is the successor to Maestro Francis Wada who retired after over 30 years of service. Equally comfortable on the podium or in the principal trumpet seat, MacDonald began his career as Principal Trumpet of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, appointed by Music Director Kurt Masur upon completion of his Masters of Music at New England Conservatory. His career as a concert soloist began shortly after this appointment and he has since appeared worldwide as a trumpet soloist with highly regarded ensembles including: Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Japan Philharmonic, Virtuosi Saxonia, Bach Collegium Munich, Leipzig Bach Orchestra, Leipzig Chamber Orchestra, Concerto Leipzig, Kammerphilharmonie Leipzig, and the Super World Orchestra (Tokyo). With a discography of over 25 recordings with the Gewandhaus Orchestra, he can also be heard on recordings with the Leipzig Baroque Soloists, solo recordings, and numerous other chamber and orchestral albums. One of his solo albums was named "CD of the Month" by Naxos.

This performing arts institution is an independent, non-profit cultural organization that does not receive major support from any one source. The NESO is a non-profit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors representing the very best that our many communities have to offer.

Halloween Concert: the New England Symphony Orchestra presents a costume party with music and film at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. The music of John Williams accompanying film "Harry Potter" as well as many other great favorites like "The Sorcerer's Apprentice", "Night on Bald Mountain", "Witches Sabbath", "Dance Macabre", and "Toccata and Fugue".

This is a concert for the whole family where everyone wear a costume or at least a funny hat.